The City Council of Sandpoint convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to city fees, including adjustments that exceed a 5% increase. The council plans to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of these new fees, as mandated by Idaho state code.

Director Welker presented the proposed fee changes, noting that approximately 90% of the adjustments originate from his department. A significant focus was on the James E. Russell Sports Center, where a new membership structure is being introduced. The center will transition from daily play fees to a monthly membership model, allowing users to book courts via a mobile app for a more seamless experience. Monthly rates will be set at $99 for the general public, while city and county residents will pay $69 and $59, respectively. Annual memberships will also be available at a discounted rate.

The council discussed the rationale behind these changes, emphasizing the need for a frictionless access model that encourages greater participation. The new fee structure aims to simplify the payment process and is expected to increase membership uptake significantly.

In addition to sports center fees, the council reviewed changes to field use fees at Memorial Field and other sports complexes. The new fee structure simplifies the previous complicated pricing model, charging a flat rate for practice and double for games. This change is intended to streamline administration and improve revenue consistency.

The council also addressed new planning fees, which will charge developers for pre-application meetings beyond the first free session. This adjustment reflects the actual costs incurred by the city for staff time during these meetings.

Overall, the proposed fee changes aim to enhance user experience, improve revenue generation, and ensure that fees reflect the actual costs of services provided. The council will finalize these proposals during the upcoming public hearing, where community input will be welcomed.